The Adara: Whistler’s Happenin’ Hotel Faux fur blanket, anyone? By Kathy Chin Leong I imagine I am in a James Bond movie when I step into the lobby of the new Adara Hotel. It’s hip, pulsating with a retro-vibe in the heart of Whistler, British Colombia, Canada. But to truly fit in, I need a martini in my left hand, a long cigarette wand in my right, and a white mink stole wrapped around my shoulders. I didn’t think to dress Bond-like. My mind shifts into ‘70s mode, taken aback by the lobby’s fashion statement: a circular pumpkin orange modular couch, a red egg-shaped wire chair, circular canary yellow carpet, stone walled fireplace alive with a crackling, flickering fire that says in a breathy Lauren Bacall voice, "Come." This 41-room, remodeled ski hotel is not your typical redo. ROOMS It is freezing outside, a high contrast to the a warm, sexy atmosphere within. The rooms are interesting for they have doodads I have not seen at other hotels. It is the first time I have seen personal oxygen canisters, and I realize, "Wow. I guess we are pretty high up here." After all, Whistler is one of the most coveted ski resorts in the world with two extreme peaks designed for those who come to conquer Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. Anyhow, back to the air canisters. For $14.95, you can take a whiff if your lungs feel too thin. Then there’s the loft bedroom. It’s the first time I’ve been in a two-story hotel room. I sleep upstairs in a bedroom with an imitation black animal fur as my coverlet. Downstairs is the living room, and the furnishings are mod with swaths of orange, black, yellow, and white. Fur is the statement here: a sheepskin on the chair, fur pillows, fur blanket throw. Along with minimalist furniture, the Adara rooms offer quite an art scene. For instance, the shower features an open colorful glass wall with no door. The glass wall is printed with a tower of round shapes clumped together that remind me of enlarged images of human cells as seen under a microscope A splashy light box sits above my bed where the headboard would normally be. Techwise, there is wireless Internet for a small fee, flat screen TVs, sound machine, and there is an iPod docking station/radio. Creature comforts include a microwave that is terrific for popcorn, the large fridge, and an-instant on simulated fireplace. There is also a hot water heating pot for tea, a Bodum pressed coffee system, and bottled water for guests. These nice touches mean a lot to travelers who are bone tired after a day of skiing the mountain. OTHER STUFF In the morning, you can get free coffee and tea in the lobby. You can also store your ski boots and poles in the lobby’s storage corridor. The hotel has a small pool and hot tub outdoors, but no restaurant or café. Your best bet is to bring food to your room from the nearby market or go out to breakfast in the village. Bottom line: If you enjoy modern, minimalist décor, you’ll fall in love with the Adara. With a variety of room options from standard rooms, one and two bedroom suites, the Adara is chic and trendy carefully balancing a traveler’s need for comfort and cozy living quarters. **** DETAILS : Adara Hotel 4122 Village Green Whistler, B.C. 604-905-4009 Rates start at: $300 www.adarahotel.com   [Back to Top]          [Back to Index]